A youth was critically injured in a blast when a landmine allegedly planted by Maoists exploded at Kaliajhola in Koraput district on Wednesday.
The victim was rushed to Ramgiri hospital from where he was shifted to Boipariguda Community Health Centre (CHC) in a critical condition.
Reports said Maoists had blocked the road by felling trees at Kaliajhola under Boipariguda block and kept a bag that contained explosives. Besides, they have put up posters urging the youths to join the Red camp.
The bag exploded when the youth unaware of the poster and threat tried to touch the bag. Earlier on Sunday, a landmine had also exploded in the area when BSF jawans were carrying out search operations in the area. But fortunately the jawans had escaped unhurt.
Meanwhile, with the much delayed Gurupriya Bridge nearing completion, police have beefed up security owing to threats from Maoists to blow up the project which will serve as a lifeline for the cut-off areas of the Maoist-infested Malkangiri district.
As the bridge is expected to usher in development in the remote and inaccessible areas of the district, it is now on the Maoist radar, informed sources. The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling while the district administration is maintaining strict vigil through CCTV cameras.
“We are alert and patrolling has been intensified as the bridge is nearing completion. CCTV and lights have been installed. Two camps have been set up and patrolling will continue even after the inauguration of the project,” said Malkangiri SP Jagmohan Meena.